More than 1,700 degrees were issued. Salutatorian was Megan Stifer, graduating with a bachelor's degree in visual effects; valedictorian was Julia Huang, graduating with a degree in illustration; and excelsus laureate was Bevin Prince, graduating with a master's degree in performing arts.

Honored with an honorary doctorate was actor James Cromwell, famed for his roles in films such as "Babe," "The Green Mile" and "Space Cowboys," among others, as well as his television roles in series such as "24" and "Six Feet Under."

Also given honorary doctorates were Savannah's own Robert and Alice Jepson.

Robert Jepson is chairman and CEO of Jepson Associates Inc., a private investment firm he founded in 1989. He also serves on the board of the Georgia Ports Authority and the Georgia Historical Society, and is vice chairman of the Board of Visitors at SCAD and chairman of the Board of Governors for the Lucas Theatre for the Arts. The Jepsons, in partnership with two other couples, founded the Savannah Educational Alliance, and are known for focusing much of their philanthropy on higher education.

Namesake of the Telfair Museums' Jepson Center for the Arts, Robert Jepson also delivered the commencement address Saturday.

"The world, I promise you, is eagerly awaiting each of you. I encourage you to run to it," he told the sea of about-to-be graduates. "When you get there, tell them that the Savannah College of Art and Design sent you. Tell the world you intend to fill up our senses."

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So, I guess what you're saying is that no one should go to a college like SCAD in order to pursue their dreams? I'm pretty sure most of those students realize that they'll have many challenges with those degrees.